A 'zuòjiā' is a writer or author who creates literary works.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Writer or author who creates literary works.
- Someone who expresses ideas and stories through writing.
- Commonly used in literary and cultural contexts.
Overview
“作家”是一个非常常见的中文名词，指那些以写作作为主要职业或爱好，并创作出有一定影响力的文字作品的人。这个词涵盖了各种类型的创作者，从小说家、诗人到散文家、剧作家等等。一个作家通常需要具备丰富的想象力、深刻的洞察力以及良好的文字功底。
“作家”一词通常用作主语、宾语或定语。作为主语时，它指代某个具体的作家或作家群体；作为宾语时，它常出现在描述作家作品或成就的句子中；作为定语时，它会修饰其他名词，如“著名作家”、“青年作家”等。在句子中，我们经常会看到“一位作家”、“几位作家”这样的量词搭配。
这个词在文学评论、文化新闻、教育领域以及日常交流中都很常见。例如，在谈论某本书的作者时，我们会说“这本书的作家是谁？”；在介绍一位文学界人士时，可能会说“他是一位备受尊敬的作家”；在讨论文学创作时，也会提到“许多作家都面临着创作瓶颈”。
与“作家”相似的词语包括“作者”、“写手”和“文人”。“作者”的范围更广，指任何创作作品的人，不限于文学领域，也可以是文章、报告等的创作者。“写手”通常指代那些为他人代笔或以写作为生但可能不被视为纯粹文学创作者的人，有时带有贬义。“文人”则更侧重于指有文化修养、从事文学艺术活动的人，带有一定的文化和身份色彩。相比之下，“作家”更侧重于创作具有艺术价值和影响力的文学作品的创作者。
Examples
这位作家以其深刻的社会洞察力而闻名。
academicThis writer is known for his profound social insight.
我一直想成为一名作家。
informalI have always wanted to become a writer.
鲁迅是中国现代文学史上伟大的作家之一。
formalLu Xun is one of the great writers in modern Chinese literary history.
那个作家写的小说都很好看。
everydayThe novels written by that writer are all very good.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
一位作家
a writer
当代作家
contemporary writer
外国作家
foreign writer
Often Confused With
'作家' (zuòjiā) specifically refers to a writer, especially of literary works, implying creativity and artistry. '作者' (zuòzhě) is a broader term for 'author' or 'creator' of any written work, including articles, reports, or academic papers, not necessarily literary.
'作家' (zuòjiā) implies artistic merit and often originality. '写手' (xiěshǒu) can refer to a ghostwriter or someone who writes professionally but perhaps without the same artistic recognition, sometimes carrying a slightly negative connotation of being a mere 'scribe'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '作家' is generally neutral to positive, implying professional or serious engagement with writing. It's most commonly used when discussing literary figures or their work. Avoid using it for someone who writes occasionally or for non-literary purposes unless the context is clear.
Common Mistakes
Confusing '作家' with '作者' in contexts where literary creation is specifically implied. Also, sometimes overusing '作家' for someone who simply writes blog posts or informal articles, where '作者' might be more appropriate.
Tips
Think of 'Writer' or 'Author'
The character '作' means 'to make' or 'to do', and '家' means 'expert' or 'home'. Together, '作家' literally means 'one who makes/does writing expertly'.
Don't confuse with 'Worker'
While '作家' is a profession, avoid confusing '家' in this context with its meaning in '工人' (gōngrén - worker), which refers to a laborer.
Respect for Literary Figures
In Chinese culture, writers and intellectuals are often held in high regard. Referring to someone as a '作家' implies a level of respect for their craft and contribution.
Word Origin
The word '作家' (zuòjiā) combines '作' (zuò), meaning 'to do', 'to make', or 'to compose', and '家' (jiā), meaning 'family', 'home', or 'expert'. Thus, it signifies someone who is an expert at composing or creating written works.
Cultural Context
Writers have historically played a significant role in shaping Chinese culture and thought. Many famous writers are revered figures, and their works are often studied in schools, reflecting the cultural importance placed on literature and intellectual contributions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'home' (家) for 'making' (作) stories – that's a writer's creative space!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“作家”通常指创作文学作品（如小说、诗歌、散文）的创作者，带有一定的艺术性和文学性。“作者”的范围更广，指任何创作作品的人，包括文章、报告、论文等的创作者，不一定局限于文学领域。
成为一名作家通常需要具备良好的文字表达能力、丰富的想象力、深刻的观察和思考能力。此外，持续的学习和创作实践也是必不可少的。
“作家”这个词可以用在各种场合，包括正式的文学评论、新闻报道，以及非正式的日常对话中，用来指代创作文学作品的人。
中国有许多著名的作家，例如鲁迅、巴金、老舍、张爱玲、莫言等。他们的作品对中国乃至世界文学都产生了深远的影响。
Test Yourself
他是一位非常有名的____，写了很多感人的故事。
句意是描述一个写故事的人，因此“作家”是最合适的词。
“作家”指的是：
“作家”的核心含义是创作文学作品。
请将以下词语组成一个通顺的句子：作家 / 这位 / 很 / 受欢迎 / 的
“这位作家很受欢迎”是一个主谓宾结构完整且符合语法的句子。
Score: /3
Summary
A 'zuòjiā' is a writer or author who creates literary works.
- Writer or author who creates literary works.
- Someone who expresses ideas and stories through writing.
- Commonly used in literary and cultural contexts.
Think of 'Writer' or 'Author'
The character '作' means 'to make' or 'to do', and '家' means 'expert' or 'home'. Together, '作家' literally means 'one who makes/does writing expertly'.
Don't confuse with 'Worker'
While '作家' is a profession, avoid confusing '家' in this context with its meaning in '工人' (gōngrén - worker), which refers to a laborer.
Respect for Literary Figures
In Chinese culture, writers and intellectuals are often held in high regard. Referring to someone as a '作家' implies a level of respect for their craft and contribution.
Examples
4 of 4这位作家以其深刻的社会洞察力而闻名。
This writer is known for his profound social insight.
我一直想成为一名作家。
I have always wanted to become a writer.
鲁迅是中国现代文学史上伟大的作家之一。
Lu Xun is one of the great writers in modern Chinese literary history.
那个作家写的小说都很好看。
The novels written by that writer are all very good.
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This Word in Other Languages
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